Q: Why should I transfer my photo's to a CD? I can pull out the album anytime I want?

A: Yes, you can pull out your album anytime however, if your photo's are in digital format on a CD not only can you view them on your computer, you can also print new copies if your original paper copy is lost, damaged or destroyed!!

Q: I have a scanner, why would I pay someone to do it for me?

A: The short answer is Time.. The longer answer is there's no reason you can't scan your own photo's, if you know how to scan for the best quality for reprinting, color correction and working with the images. I figured it out and so can you.

Q: I've looked on the web for different photo restoration services, why do the prices vary so wildly? One place wanted almost $600 to fix one picture???

A: There is no standard price list for photo restoration. Each individual determines thier own price for services. Some restorers have spent substaintial amounts of money on equipment, programs, special monitors and very "high end" computers and, this is how some people make a living. I bought the same kind of computers, programs and equipment but, for a very different reason. This business was a natural outgrowth of the project I started for our extended family.

Q: What do you mean when you say "Local Service"?

A: This is a very special service I offer for people living in the Downriver area of South-East Michigan. I've noticed that some people can't stand the thought of sending thier pictures, some of which are very old and delicate, through the mail system. An appointment is made and I will come to your location with a laptop and scanner, you provide an electric outlet and a table to work on and I scan your pictures right there, they never leave your sight!

Q: Do you do 8mm film transfer to DVD's?

A: Currently no. I am working on finding the right equipment to begin this service and will add it to the price list as soon as I am confident I can provide the level of service I would provide my own family.

Q: What kind of program and computer do you use in case I want to try this for myself?

A: My computer is an Alienware Aurora 7700, AMD Athlon dual core 4800. My main program I use for photos is the full version of Adobe PhotoShop CS2. I also use Microsoft Digital Image and Corel Painter. For Video I use Pinnaccle Studio 10, Sony DVD Architect and Nero 7 Ultra Enhanced depending on the project. For Audio tape transfer I use the Creative Audigy ZS2 Card and Panisonic Noise Cancelling headphones. Audio editing is done in Sony Sound Forge and Magix Audio Cleaning Lab. Video (VHS) transfer uses the Pinacle 710 hub and a standerd VCR and a 400 GB external hard drive. There's more but, you get the idea!

Q: So how does this all work, What do I need to do first?

A: If you're local I can pick-up your photo's by hand or scan on site. If you're not local you can use UPS, FED-EX or the U.S. Mail. Photo's, for transfer or restoration should be mailed in a large brown envelope between stiff cardboard or shipped in a protective cardboard envelope. Tape's (VHS or Cassette) should be sent in an appropriate sized box to allow enough packing material (newspaper, foam peanuts or bubble wrap) to protect your tapes from crushing. You will recieve your photo's or tapes packed the same way you sent them, protected. Your finnished CD's or DVD's will be mailed seperately upon compleation and confirmation of payment. Turn around time varies depending on the amount of work requested and number of items. Transfers without exstensive editing or retouching is usually less than a week. VHS transfer can be time consuming and can take longer depending on the number and length of the tapes. I work as quickly as the project and other time constraints allow. Special attention is given to Memorial DVD's that are requested for funerals.